By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 12, 2023 | Last Updated on October 12, 2023
Craving a delicious seafood dish but don’t want to leave your house? Look no further than this easy-to-make and flavorful copycat Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl.
Red Lobster is known for its delicious seafood dishes and this Baja Shrimp Bowl is no exception. Loaded with fresh ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a fan favorite for those looking to satisfy their seafood cravings.
This dish brings all the flavors of the popular restaurant’s signature Baja shrimp bowl straight to your kitchen, with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to create this mouth-watering dish in the comfort of your own home.
What is the Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl?
The Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl is a popular menu item at the seafood chain restaurant, known for its fresh and flavorful dishes.
It features succulent shrimp cooked to perfection, served on a bed of fragrant jasmine rice and topped with a variety of vibrant ingredients like juicy tomatoes, crunchy corn kernels, spicy jalapeño peppers, and peppery baby arugula.
The dish is then finished off with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, adding an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious bowl.
Why You’ll Love this Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl?
- It’s easy to make at home with just a few ingredients, making it a quick and delicious meal option for busy weeknights.
- The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is simply irresistible. From the tender shrimp to the crunchy tortilla strips, every bite is packed with mouth-watering flavor.
- This Baja Shrimp Bowl also offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried seafood dishes, with the use of fresh ingredients and lighter cooking methods.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences by adjusting the level of spiciness or adding additional toppings like avocado or black beans.
- You’ll love that you can enjoy all the deliciousness of Red Lobster’s signature dish without having to leave your house or break the bank.
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The Ingredients
- Shrimp: This is the star of the dish and it adds a delicious seafood flavor to the bowl. Make sure to use fresh or frozen shrimp and peel and devein them before cooking.
- Jalapeño Pepper: This adds a spicy kick to the dish, but if you’re not a fan of heat, you can omit this ingredient or use less of it.
- Baby Arugula: This leafy green adds a peppery flavor and a pop of color to the bowl. You can substitute it with spinach or any other greens you prefer.
- Roma Tomato: These firm and meaty tomatoes are perfect for this dish, but you can also use cherry tomatoes or any other type of tomato.
- Corn Kernels: The sweet and crunchy corn kernels add another layer of texture and flavor to the bowl. You can use canned, frozen, or fresh corn.
- Jasmine Rice: This fragrant and fluffy rice is a staple in many Asian cuisines and it pairs perfectly with the shrimp and other ingredients in the bowl.
- Tortilla Strips: These crispy tortilla strips add a fun element to the dish and they’re super easy to make at home. You can also use store-bought tortilla chips.
- Lime: The juice of fresh lime adds a bright and tangy flavor to the bowl. You can also use bottled lime juice if that’s what you have on hand.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This sweet and spicy sauce ties all the flavors together and gives the dish its signature Baja taste. You can find it in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold water for about 10 minutes and then peel and devein them.
- If using fresh shrimp, peel and devein them.
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2
Cook the Shrimp
- In a large pan, heat some oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through.
- Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 3
Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the jalapeño peppers into thin rounds. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds and ribs before slicing.
- Cut the tomatoes into small cubes.
Step 4
Cook the Rice
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.
- Add in the jasmine rice and reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and let it simmer for about 18 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
Step 5
Assemble the Bowl
- In a large serving bowl, add the cooked rice at the bottom.
- Arrange the shrimp, jalapeño peppers, tomatoes, corn kernels, and baby arugula on top of the rice.
- Drizzle with sweet chili sauce and squeeze lime juice all over.
- Top with tortilla strips for an extra crunch.
- This Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl is best served immediately while it’s still warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of shrimp you prefer such as large, medium, or small. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a healthier option, you can swap the jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa.
- If making homemade tortilla strips, simply cut corn tortillas into thin strips and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
- If you’re a fan of spice, you can add some hot sauce or sriracha to the sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the shrimp with your favorite protein such as tofu or tempeh, and skip the fish sauce in the sweet chili sauce.
Nutrition Information
How to Store Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl?
The Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When reheating the dish, make sure to only heat up the shrimp and vegetables, as the rice and tortilla strips may become soggy. You can also add some fresh arugula, tomatoes, and lime juice to freshen up the leftovers.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately from the other ingredients, then thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy again. However, freezing may affect the texture of some ingredients such as the baby arugula and tortilla strips. So it’s best to consume the dish within 1 month if frozen.
Variations
- Add some black beans or avocado for an extra dose of protein and healthy fats.
- Use your favorite grain instead of rice such as quinoa, farro, or bulgur.
- Switch up the veggies with what you have on hand like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini.
- For a creamier sauce, mix in some plain Greek yogurt with the sweet chili sauce.
Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Recipe
Equipment
- large pan
- Medium-sized saucepan
Ingredients
- 16 oz. Shrimp
- 2 Jalapeño Pepper
- 1 oz. Baby Arugula
- 2 Roma Tomato
- 6 oz. Corn Kernels
- 1 1/2 cup Jasmine Rice
- 1 oz. Tortilla Strips
- 2 Lime
- 6 fl. oz. Sweet Chili Sauce
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the star of the dish – the shrimp. If using frozen shrimp, allow them to thaw in cold water for approximately 10 minutes before peeling and deveining. For fresh shrimp, simply peel and devein as usual.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil and bring it to temperature. Once hot, carefully add the shrimp to the pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they turn a delicious shade of pink and are cooked through. Once ready, remove the shrimp from the pan and set them aside.
- Next, it’s time to prepare the vibrant vegetables that will bring this dish to life. Thinly slice jalapeño peppers into small rounds, removing the seeds and ribs if you prefer a milder flavor. For the tomatoes, cut them into tiny cubes.
- Moving on to the rice – bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. Once boiling, add in the jasmine rice and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for approximately 18 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
- Now it’s time to assemble our mouth-watering bowl. In a large serving dish, begin by adding a generous layer of cooked rice at the bottom. Next, arrange the succulent shrimp, spicy jalapeño peppers, juicy tomatoes, crunchy corn kernels, and peppery baby arugula on top of the rice. For a finishing touch, drizzle sweet chili sauce over the entire dish and squeeze fresh lime juice on top for a tangy kick. Finally, sprinkle tortilla strips on top for an irresistible crunch factor. For optimal enjoyment, serve immediately while still warm.
Notes
- You can use any type of shrimp you prefer such as large, medium, or small. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a healthier option, you can swap the jasmine rice with brown rice or quinoa.
- If making homemade tortilla strips, simply cut corn tortillas into thin strips and bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
- If you’re a fan of spice, you can add some hot sauce or sriracha to the sweet chili sauce for an extra kick.
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply substitute the shrimp with your favorite protein such as tofu or tempeh, and skip the fish sauce in the sweet chili sauce.
FAQs
Can I Make Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make most of the components ahead of time and assemble the bowl when ready to serve. The shrimp can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the vegetables and rice can be prepared a day in advance. Just make sure to store them separately and assemble the bowl when ready to eat.
Is Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Gluten-Free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients. However, always double-check the ingredients used to make sure they are certified gluten-free if you have a severe allergy or sensitivity to gluten.
Can I Make Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of this dish by omitting the shrimp and using tofu or tempeh as a protein source instead. You can also use a plant-based sweet chili sauce and skip the fish sauce to make it completely vegan-friendly. However, note that this may affect the flavor of the dish, so you may want to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
What Can I Serve with Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl?
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like some additional side dishes, here are some ideas:
1. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower
2. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
3. Corn or flour tortillas for making soft tacos
4. A fruit salad for a refreshing addition to the meal.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for reading this Red Lobster Baja Shrimp Bowl! We hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as we do. Remember, you can always customize the dish to your liking by adding or substituting ingredients. So get creative and have fun with it!
Don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends, and let us know in the comments below how your Baja Shrimp Bowl turns out.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
